Wednesday, 22 August 2007

Rocky Burger

A movie that inspired me when I was a kid was Rocky I. Seriously. Yes, I'm female, I don't have a drop of Italian in my blood, I am not an aspiring boxer and I was 2 years old when it was released. I probably first saw it when I was 9 or 10 years old because my dad loved Rocky movies. Somehow, the Italian Stallion left a strong impression on me. I loved the movie so much that I even named my pet turtle Rocky. The movie was filmed in just 28 days and with only a budget of US$1.2 million but yet it became such a popular movie (it got 10 Academy Award nominations and won 3 Oscars, including Best Picture) and launched Sylvester Stallone's career.

It was more than the whole "underdog wins the day" story line that inspired me. There were several scenes that left an impression. The scene that I stuck in my mind most clearly was when Rocky finally got fit and ran up the steps to the museum at the end of his run with his arms raise and fists thrusting in the air, in a victory pose. Due to my love for running, I could relate to that scene very much and I have to admit that I've actually done that before after running up a big hill (when no one was looking, of course!). I even have the Rocky soundtrack ("Gonna Fly Now") as running music (o.k., laugh if you want, I don't mind). Another scene that I could relate to was when he had to wake up before dawn to run. He also cracked I-don't-know-how-many eggs in a glass and drank the raw eggs in a few gulps! I guess those were the days before protein shakes. And how can anyone forget how Rocky trained by punching the hanging cow carcass in the meat cold room?

Why am I going on about Rocky? This is my my entry to the Food in Film blogging event hosted by Susan at The Well-Seasoned Cook. The most memorable food scenes in Rocky was the raw egg scene I mentioned. I didn't think all of you will enjoy a a recipe for a cocktail of raw eggs. So that's when I thought of making a Rocky Burger. Basically what makes it a Rocky Burger to me is that it has to be kept unpretencious, wholesome and high in protein. Quikong helped me with this project (he is the expert when it comes to meat). We made a thick, good quality beef mince patty and marinated it. Of course the cooked patty has to be topped off with a runny egg. Instead of lettuce, I used fresh spinach (Popeye's secret weapon!) and all the other usual burger accompaniments such as sliced tomatoes and grilled onions.

This burger is Rocky-worthy :-)

Do check out the terrific entries in the The Food in Film round-up which is now available here.

Nora, My dad loves Rocky, too. And we used to watch it together when I was little - I loved it!One thing that I kept asking my dad is why Rocky would let his brother in law be such a pain in the neck. And my father used to tell me that Rocky felt sorry for him. I didn't like the guy. :)

Nora, this is a very cool entry and a great film to have reviewed. Well done! I want to watch it again NOW! Having taken up running recently myself (though nowhere near as accomplished as you) I am thinking that the soundtrack must be quite inspiring to listen too.

There are only rare occasions when I miss meat. This is one of them. Fabulous work!

Oh, I know what you mean! After seeing that movie, I donned a hooded sweatshirt and went running out of the house in search of a massive flight of stairs. I think I ended up settling on the stairs in our basement. ;)

He would love this burger, and my husband would too after a killer workout!

Hi, Nora. Following up to my email to you, with great thanks for participating in this event. I can't tell you how popular the Rocky movies have been in the States, but your entry will give us more reasons to hit the treadmill. That burger looks like it has 5000 delicious calories in it! Should have the round-up posted by Tuesday next.

A perfect entry into the roundup Nora!!! Stallone would be proud!!!! By the way I have nominated you for a "Droolworthy Blogger" award if you would care to check out my blog sometime and accept...or pass it along.

About Me

For the love of food

... looking, thinking, reading, researching, smelling, creating, discussing, tasting, sharing & dreaming about food.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~Many years ago, I moved to Sydney from a tiny island near the equator. It is no secret that I am obsessed about food. My Aussie husband ("Quikong") claims that he doesn't really care about food. In reality, he is actually a gourmand-in-denial & my harshest critic. Therefore, I've made him the official taster of the recipes I will post.